Five Ways That Extremely Cold Weather Can Cause Water Damage In Your Connecticut Home

Extremely cold weather comes with many worries for Connecticut homeowners. From Greenwich to Wilton, you may be concerned about whether your car will start, how high your heat bill will be, and staying on top of snow removal. One thing that few homeowners associate with cold winter weather is water damage.

Water damage can happen at any time of the year, not just during spring thaws and summer storms: Freezing temperatures and wet weather can also cause water damage in many ways, some that you may expect and some that you may not.

In this article, we will explain five forms of water damage that we often see in the winter months, and how to get the help you need if you are faced with any of these issues.

Frozen Pipes

One of the most common sources of winter water damage in Fairfield area homes is frozen pipes. When temperatures inside a home drop too low, the water in your plumbing can freeze. Freezing causes the water molecules to expand, and too much expansion causes tiny - or large - pipe ruptures. Once the water thaws and flows through the pipes again, water escapes through the ruptures, and major damage can occur.

Melting Snow and Ice Dams

Melting snow on your roof and around your home can also cause water damage. If too much snow accumulates, you’re at risk for flooding when it melts suddenly or can’t flow safely away from your home. Ice dams are a common issue that can make this problem worse.

Ice dams are patches of ice that form at the edge of your roof. The heat that rises from your home causes the snow to melt on the roof, and freezing temperatures at the edges of your roof create a dam that forces the snowmelt to pool on your roof. The pooling water can leak into your home, causing water damage to your roof, siding, insulation, walls, ceilings, and more.

Roof Damage That Leads To Leaks

Roof leaks are very common during the winter. Your roof has to endure a lot of snow and ice, along with freezing temperatures, condensation, ice dams, and wind.

Keeping your roof and gutters clean and in good repair will prevent many of these issues, but even with proper maintenance, extreme storms and temperature fluctuations can still cause leaks. A leaking roof can cause many issues, ranging from superficial drywall stains to major structural damage.

Leaking Hot Water Heaters

During the cold winter months, the temperature of the water coming into your home will drop at least 25 degrees. This forces your hot water heater to work harder in order to get water to the desired temperatures. If you have an older hot water heater, all of this extra work may cause it to leak or even burst. Hot water heater failures can unexpectedly flood your home with a lot of water in a short amount of time.

Mold Growth

All of these types of water damage can lead to another problem for Westport homeowners: Mold growth. You may associate mold with warmer seasons, but melting snow, ice, and warm indoor temperatures can create great conditions for mold to grow in. Anywhere that warm air meets colder surfaces, condensation can form. When it forms on natural materials like wood, destructive, dangerous mold will grow.

Get Trusted, Local Help With Winter Water Damage

From pipes burst by a polar vortex to leaky ice dams, Riverside Restoration is here to help with winter water damage. Our expert teams can respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week to stop the water damage and start getting your life back to normal. Contact us today to learn how we can help you keep your Connecticut home dry and damage-free this winter.